US to share intel to target Russia’s energy sites: WSJ

The United States has decided to provide Ukraine with intelligence to help strike oil and power infrastructure inside Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported, as Washington weighs additional weapon supplies that could extend Kyiv’s reach. The shift, confirmed by US officials cited in the report, is intended to make it easier for Ukraine to identify and hit refineries, pipelines, power stations and related facilities, thereby squeezing the Kremlin’s wartime revenue. US officials are also encouraging NATO allies to deliver similar targeting support, according to the report. While the United States has long shared battlefield intelligence with Ukraine, this marks the first time Washington would assist with long-range strikes on energy targets deep inside Russian territory. The move comes as President Donald Trump presses European countries to curb purchases of Russian oil in exchange for tougher US sanctions designed to further restrict Moscow’s financing of the war. Neither the White House nor the UN missions of Ukraine and Russia immediately responded to Reuters requests for comment. Officials told the Journal that approval for expanded intelligence sharing came shortly before Trump signaled on social media that Ukraine, with European support, could potentially reclaim all territory occupied by Russia. Washington is also evaluating Kyiv’s request for additional long-range capabilities, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, while noting Ukraine’s development of an indigenous long-range missile dubbed Flamingo. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, calling it a “special military operation.” Kyiv and its allies say the attack is an unlawful bid to seize land and coerce a neighboring country. Energy revenues remain central to Russia’s war financing and are a continuing focus of Western sanctions and export restrictions.